Denver Part 3 – Cherry Creek and Washington Park

Denver Colorado is an exciting city to visit, one mile high near the Rocky Mountains. From its beginning in 1858 as a gold-mining town, it has grown around the South Platte River, Cherry Creek, and historic Colfax Avenue to encompass several communities and many things to do. More about Denver: Stapleton & Aurora, Park Hill, Capitol Hill & Lincoln Park.

South of downtown Denver are the Cherry Creek, Glendale, and Washington Park neighborhoods. The early 20th century neighborhoods are nice to see and some of Denver’s best historic restaurants are here.

Washington Park Boathouse. Washington Park is one of Denver’s largest parks and is over 100 years old. With lakes, pond, playgrounds, and recreation center, it’s a beautiful and popular place to visit. The Washington Park Boathouse was designed by J.B. Benedict and built in 1913. Benedict was a prominent architect in Colorado and designed many homes and buildings on the National Historic Register in Denver. Today, the bottom floor which was the boat shed has restrooms, a dressing room, and a kitchen that can be used by caterers. I love that the playground next to boathouse is prominently featured in some of the Hallmark Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies (did you see when Oliver was meeting his father?). And I have a soft spot for the boathouse because it was where my daughter Agnes and Pippin got married!http://www.washpark.com/guide-washington-park-neighborhood/

Syrup is modern breakfast spot in a newer section of Cherry Creek shopping district. It’s got a clean, modern décor, friendly service and wide-ranging breakfast foods. They have 8 kinds of syrup! There is a parking deck less than a block away. Syrup has 3 locations in Denver. I love breakfast, so I really enjoy how many creative breakfast places there are in Denver! I got to meet a high school classmate for a fun breakfast at Syrup! http://www.syruprestaurant.com/menu/breakfast-and-brunch/

Cherry Cricket has been serving burgers and beer in Cherry Creek since 1945. It is open 11 am to 2 am 7 days a week. Appetizers, wings, salads, chili and more are all on the menu. You order their famous burgers by choosing your burger type (beef, turkey, chicken, bison, etc.) and then choosing from a huge list of toppings. They make a candied bacon and jalapeño jelly that’s pretty cool, but there are old favorite and creative toppings. Be prepared to stand in line! There’s a parking deck across the street. http://www.cherrycricket.com/

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Bonnie Brae Tavern is a centerpiece of the Depression-era Bonnie Brae neighborhood, not far from the University of Denver. They’ve been serving diner-style food since 1934 with a bar and turquoise booth seats. Denver is famous for their green chile, usually made with pork, tomatoes, and roasted green chiles. The green chile at Bonnie Brae Tavern is my favorite! The menu has lots of comfort food, including excellent pizza and Italian favorites. The tavern is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Because of the weather, I couldn’t get a good picture of the shopping district on University Boulevard but there are nice shops, food, beauty salon, and even a hydrate & oxygen bar. Bonnie Brae Ice Cream makes their own flavors! https://bonniebraetavern.com/

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Blue Bonnet Restaurant is a Mexican café and sports bar that’s been around since the 1930s. Try it for margaritas, Mexican beers, tamales, posole, chile rellenos, tacos al carbon, and more. http://www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com/

Hilton Garden Inn Denver Cherry Creek is a nice hotel in Glendale by the banks of Cherry Creek. The hotel is located in a shopping area called CitySet which has a large underground parking deck that is free. This hotel is conveniently located for south central Denver and has the convenience of all the meal options and shops in CitySet right outside the front door. We especially enjoyed Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar. The hotel has breakfast and a bar. http://www.hgicherrycreek.com/

View from Hilton Garden Inn Cherry Creek

Denver Colorado Map

Next time we go I’d like to visit the gardens in Washington Park and try more breakfast restaurants in Denver.